I have three children…one in 5th on an IEP. Twins in the 3rd. One twin is in an inclusion classroom doing wonderful.The other twin H is in a classroom with no support other then her reg. teacher.Both children brought home their report cards yesterday.H had a report card that I never would have expected.It showed that she needs support in all areas and shows almost no effort.I am questioning this because this daughter helps my other two in reading and math.She sits with me everyday afterschool and we go over her papers.She tells me that she is trying her hardest..always has.
The first week of school this teacher sternly told me that I should not expect much from this child and that she will be moving much quicker then the other twins class.I wondered if she had a problem with twins at that time.
I wrote notes asking her to contact me if this child needs extra support.VERY POLITE notes.I walked on egg shells.The teachers response was wait until I contact you with a problem.NO CONTACT. I thought all was alright.Child brought home checks and A’s and B’s.
Now, I am wondering if this is not a personality conflict and if my child should be removed from the classroom.Should I contact the school and ask to have my child moved to another classroom that has extra support? I do not want to insult the teacher.I also want a second opinion on this childs work? Another teacher could give me that.I had the sped teacher last year watch this child..she did not see signs of LD and either do I.Would leaving this child in the classroom now cause problems later for her? She is just as surprised as we are over her report. I welcome all comments.
Re: need advice
Yes, What does your daughter say about this teacher. I was in a similar predicament this year with my son. The teacher was very strict close to being mean. He hated that class so much. He would just tune out to escaper her. He is the type of child that doesn’t need alot of pushing from adults. He puts enough pressure on himself.
He was doing much better at home than he was at school.
He is in a new class with a very laid back, relaxed teacher. He is doing very well. I was shocked to see his first math test. He got a 76 and this was cold, without studying and much harder work than he was doing in the other class.
I felt as though the last teacher did not understand him. This teacher figured him out right away. She said, “He understands everything that is going on. He just can’t demonstrate in his writing.”
I was shocked that someone who knew him for 2 weeks was able to see this in him.
The move was hard fought but well worth it.
Re: need advice
Thank you for the response. My daughter wants to move but asked if she could take all her work with her.She loves school and I am afraid with this teacher, she will close down.
I gathered all her work this morning.I am going to bring it with me to the school.The report card does not justify the papers.I also have all the notes and correspondance between the teacher and myself. The teacher closed her door to me. This was the last response I advise you to get workbooks from Walmart,make up problems and orally practice with her.I will inform you of how H is doing if any problems arise.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
What an awful situation to be in.
I think you are on the right track by gathering the papers and bringing them in. You’re right that the As and Bs that were coming home do not justify a surprising report card.
If I could suggest any one thing, it would be to DOCUMENT everything that has happened so far and continue to do so as this progress; whatever the outcome.
Most likely the principal will hestitate to react and its a “mom said vs. teacher said situation.” Guess who’s more likely to get the principal’s support (unless this teacher has a track record). But documentation of history will always back you up. Its very easy to get “mushy” when you are confronted by “powers that be” and cannot remember facts accurately and quickly.
You are also right to be concerned that your child will begin to shut down. Stay pro-active and take charge of the situation. Your gut is telling you this is not right; listen to your inner voice. It hasn’t failed me yet.
Re: need advice
This is where having a child who is classified was a big bonus. I pushed the, “least restrictive environment” point. I did feel that the previous teacher provided an environment that was too restrictive; the work was too easy and she was all over him constantly even yelling him at standing up to get a second book because he finished the first one.
I had the law on my side. I used phrasing in all of my communications that demonstrated that I knew the law (thanks to the wonderful people of this board) I would have to say that what truely worked was that I was relentless. I am a stay at home mom. I pretty much had a situation where the case worker had to change his class or deal with me. I stopped talking and started writing. Every conversation that I had with her I fed her back her words with an; as per our conversation, you stated; letter.
Every letter was cc’d to the principal, the director of sped and her immediate supervisor.
She started to listen to me when I included everyone in on all the details of the situation.
In your situation, I would start with the principal. Take the, “This is just a poor match for my daughter,” approach. I have heard of this working. Try not to make it a personal attack on the teacher, it is just the wrong teacher for this child. Don’t go full guns right away.
If that doesn’t work start writing and just don’t quit. They will give in eventually when the recognize that you are determined to see this through.
You will get alot of support here on how to deal with specific situations as they arise.
Re: need advice
As Linda F. said, stop talking and start writing. I would begin by sending a letter to this teacher enclosing a copy of all the paperwork you have retained and a copy of the report card stating that you do not understanding her grading system and would like a conference to discuss this. I would cc the principal and your daughter’s guidance counselor. If your daughter has a resource teacher, I would copy her as well.
If you have the conference and she is not cooperative, I would then write a letter to the principal requesting a change in classroom. This way you can “prove” to the principal that you were reasonable in trying to work out the problem before you just decided you wanted to change classrooms. In other words, gather your ammunition before you start shooting. I would also take copious notes at the conference with the teacher.
It sounds a little as if b/c you have another ESE child perhaps this teacher already has low expectations for your daughter. You want a teacher who has high expectations for your daughter. Also, when you write your letter to the principal you need to be very careful how you word so that you don’t come off sounding like just another unhappy parent.
We had a similar situation last year we we were moved 1/2 way through the 3rd 9 wks of the school year (something no one gets). However, the principal knew that we had well documented records. Oftentimes good record keeping and effective letterwriting is all it takes.
What does she say? I would hate to see her have a bad year because of a less than compassionate teacher. Would she be ok with the move?
I would also recommend asking another teacher to observe the classroom and this teacher. Have you considered visiting the classroom?
K.